PURBECK Folk Festival is inviting its near neighbours to come and join the party this August bank holiday – for free.

A limited number of free tickets to the Festival’s Friday events are available to people living in the BH19 and BH20 postcode areas.

That means a whole day of great music on four stages headlined by chart topping singer songwriter and former Fairgound Attraction frontwoman Eddi Reader, as well as all the other highlights including great food, fancy dress, comedy, film and art all on a 600-acre sheep farm in the heart of the beautiful Isle of Purbeck.

Commenting on the ticket giveaway, festival director Michael Callaghan, said: “We have had incredible support from local individuals and organisations who have told us they love the Purbeck Folk Festival. This is our chance to give something back to local people and show that we value the backing of the community and the way the event has been embraced by the people of Purbeck.”

Purbeck Folk Festival has made 100 pairs of tickets available on a strict first come first served basis to residents with a BH19 or BH20 postcode. The tickets are available from 10am on Monday 12 May only to callers in person at the Discover Purbeck Information Centre in Wareham Library. Tickets are for Friday 22 August and are limited to one pair per person. To claim residents will need to bring a utility bill or similar proof of their address.

Now in its sixth year, Purbeck Folk Festival’s inclusive booking policy ensures an eclectic mix of outstanding, original young folk, established roots, traditional and world music in a fun, family-friendly environment.

This year the headline acts include Eddi Reader, Lloyd Cole, The South, Idlewild, Turin Brakes, Nizlopi and Chris Wood. The four stages are contained in the farm’s barns and a marquee venue that hosts the Purbeck Rising final and open mic sessions.

But there’s much more than music on offer with a host of additional entertainment that includes a comedy line-up, an on-site cinema programme, art interventions and workshops, a fancy dress parade, a poetry slam, kids’ activity pen and a beer festival with 40 local real ales, 20 ciders and even a Dorset pils lager.

Weekend tickets (Fri-Sun) include free camping are on sale at just £90 (£45 12-17 years, £10 4-11 years, under 4s free). Day camping is available on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at £10 a night on arrival. A limited number of Festival day tickets will also be available.

Located in the village of Langton Matravers between Corfe Castle and Swanage, the land at Wilkswood Farm is devoted to conservation and environmental protection of a wide range of habitats. There’s a handy bus to Corfe Castle/Wareham and Swanage every hour both ways, while Harmans Cross station is a 15-minute walk away where you can catch the steam train to Swanage or Corfe Castle.

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